The incident happened on what is locally known as the Old Cinder Track, close to The Windmill Inn, Whitby on Saturday, January 2025.
A police spokesperson said: “It involved a man and a woman with three lurcher-type dogs and a small terrier who were thought to be acting suspiciously.
“When a member of the public challenged them, the man is reported to have become abusive and made threats which left the person very shaken.
“The Old Cinder Track is a popular route for dog walkers, and it is thought that there may be several members of the public that may have witnessed this incident.
“We’re particularly appealing for information about a man described as thick set, approximately 5ft 9in tall, wearing camouflage top and bottoms and a face mask.
“The woman is described as approximately 5ft 8in tall, long black hair, wearing a black coat and black trousers. She was carrying a small terrier dog in a bright orange harness.
“Please email lauren.lax@northyorkshire.police.uk if you have any information that could help our investigation.
“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Lauren Lax, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
2Please quote reference NYP-25012025-0302 when passing on information.”
